Maryland is the Ninth Biggest Net Receiver of Federal Spending in 2013

Mar 17, 2016

In the course of collecting taxes and spending money, the federal government inevitably creates “winners” and “losers” across the American landscape. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, Maryland is the ninth biggest net receiver of federal spending relative to federal taxes paid.

As shown in Chart 1, Maryland paid $13,068 per person in federal taxes in FY 2013—this was 22 percent above the national average ($10,722 per person) and ranked as the 7th highest level in the country.

Corporate Income Tax: The federal corporate income tax paid in Maryland was $1,035 per person—this was above the national average of $865 per person by 20 percent and ranked as the 8th highest in the country.

Payroll Tax: The federal payroll tax paid in Maryland was $3,868 per person—this was above the national average of $2,998 per person by 29 percent and ranked as the 3rd highest in the country.

Excise Taxes: Federal excise taxes paid in Maryland was $274 per person—this was above the national average of $266 per person by 3 percent and ranked as the 28th highest in the country.

Estate and Gift Taxes: Federal estate and gift taxes paid in Maryland was $41 per person—this was below the national average of $60 per person by -32 percent and ranked as the 21st highest in the country.

Custom Duties: Federal custom duties paid in Maryland was $120 per person—this was above the national average of $101 per person by 19 percent and ranked as the 5th highest in the country.

Miscellaneous Taxes: Federal miscellaneous taxes paid in Maryland was $386 per person—this was above the national average of $325 per person by 19 percent and ranked as the 5th highest in the country.

Deficit: The federal deficit, which is deferred taxation, accrued in Maryland was $2,504 per person—this was above the national average of $1,944 per person by 29 percent and ranked as the 5th highest in the country.

On the other hand, as shown in Chart 2, Maryland received $17,446 per person in federal spending in FY 2013—this was 63 percent above the national average ($10,722 per person) and ranked as the highest level in the country.

Federal Spending by Type in FY 2013:

Retirement and Disability: Federal retirement and disability payments (for example, Social Security and Medicare) in Maryland was $3,786 per person—this was above the national average of $3,318 per person by 14 percent and ranked as the 15th highest in the country (see our unique app showing federal pension data).

Other Direct Payments: Federal other direct payments (for example, the Earned Income Tax Credit) in Maryland was $3,701 per person—this was above the national average of $2,500 by 48 percent and ranked as the 2nd highest in the country.

Grants to State and Local Governments:Federal grants to state and local governments (for example, Medicaid) in Maryland was $2,046 per person—this was above the national average of $1,811 by 13 percent and ranked as the 17th highest in the country.

Procurement:Federal procurement (for example, Department of Defense) in Maryland was $4,357 per person—this was above the national average of $1,337 by 226 percent and ranked as the 2nd highest in the country.

Interest on National Debt: Federal interest paid on the national debt in Maryland was $858 per person—this was above the national average of $699 by 23 percent and ranked as the 7th highest in the country.

Of course, federal taxes paid and federal spending received do not flow evenly throughout the state. As such, we have also calculated the federal tax and spending ratios for every county in Maryland—though this was based on slightly older FY 2010 data.

The top 10 Maryland counties with the highest federal tax and spending ratios include:

J. Scott Moody

Scott has nearly 20 years of experience as a public policy economist. He is the author, co-author and editor of over 180 studies and books. His professional experience also includes positions at the American Conservative Union Foundation, Granite Institute, Federalism In Action, Maine Heritage Policy Center, Tax Foundation, and Heritage Foundation.